Using Substrates

In the last post “Pure Hydroponics” I wrote about the advantages of not using substrates. Although there are many advantages, there are also some drawbacks; however, that’s not the only reason for using substrates. This kind of hydroponic systems have their own advantages and there are some watering systems and equipment that work better with substrates, not to mention that there are some plants that grow better that way.

When using pure hydroponics, roots can clog your pipes, more thinking has to be done and it can take a little more effort to get results. But, as I already stated, pure hydroponics problems are not the only reason to use substrates.

Easier Hydroponics
Using a substrate is pretty much alike traditional agriculture, so it is easier to get a grasp of the technique. There are a lot of substrates that you can use and many of them do not require you to make anything, just to put your plant and you are ready. If you have any previous knowledge about horticulture, you can use it right away and the transition to hydroponics will be a natural one.

Not So Much Infrastructure
Unlike pure hydroponics, everything must be correctly set up just to keep your plants alive. Most of the time, you need more equipment to pull this out, even if the results tend to be better. Using a substrate, you can have a hydroponic plant with only a pot and the corresponding substrate.

More Forgiving
Well, you are supposed to take proper care of your hydroponic system, but, most of the time, substrate hydroponics will let you make some mistakes without too much of a problem. This does not mean that you can be reckless, but it gives you some time to get acquainted with hydroponics. Pure hydroponic systems are not that flexible; in most of them, a failing pump or a clogged valve can get your plants dry in a couple of hours.

Of course, all of this depends on the kind of substrate you are using. The results will vary, but most substrates will give you an easier hydroponic experience.

Hydroponics is all about imagination, once you did your homework. If you have the basics, you can use anything to get healthy hydroponic vegetables without much problem. It will take some work, but the rewards are great. You will not regret giving a try with hydroponics.

Found what you were looking for?

Pure Hydroponics

Since I started in hydroponics, almost 10 years ago, I have used almost any technique I have read about. Well, if I can get it working at home, that is. Hydroponics has a lot of options and I am the “get your hands dirty” kind of guy.

Anyway, after testing a los of hydroponic systems, substrates, nutrient solutions and the like, I like pure hydroponic systems like NFT and floating raft; both of them because they don’t use a substrate.

Hydroponics without substrate have a lot of advantages; al least for me.

Less work
Using substrate means dealing with cleaning, washing and disinfecting. Getting all that work done, especially with heavy substrates like gravel, can be really hard on your back and your butt. Good if you want to have firm buns but can take the fun out of hydroponics. There are other substrates that are easier on you, but, when the season ends, you have to do it again.

Cheaper hydroponics
This is a little obvious. If you don’t have to buy it, you can use that money on other things. Some substrate can be pricey, so not using them is an alternative worth considering.

You can use your imagination on containers
This does not apply to all of them, but, if you are using a heavy substrate, you are limited in the type of container you can use. Bags, for example, cannot handle gravel very well because of the weight. When you are only using water, new options are available.

Lighter structures
When you have several plants, a structure to hold them properly may be needed. If you are using heavy substrates, the structure has to be ready to deal with a lot of weight; when only water is used, things can get much easier.

Now, I’m not saying that substrates are bad; this is only my choice. There a lots of plants and hydroponic watering systems that require substrates to work. A lot of commercial greenhouses have been using substrates and are doing pretty well.

Using pure hydroponics can save you a lot of work, but it is your choice. This is not a recommendation; is an option. After all, everything will depend on what can you do in your house. Maybe you want to do something but you just can, or you bought a fancy hydroponic system that requires some substrate.

Hydroponics is a versatile technique that only requires a little knowledge and imagination.

¿Found what you were looking for?